There aren’t any doubts about the value of a good dental assistant; the work they do is felt virtually all across the practice and is instrumental in providing patients with an exceptional level of care. However, dental office managers are also sometimes realized as unsung heroes of any dental practice; often seen as de facto leaders, they ensure that things keep running smoothly and that the office is operating as intended. But did you know that many dental office managers actually start off as dental assistants? Here’s more about this logical career progression and how it ultimately shapes what any dental practice is truly capable of!
Dental Assisting Is a Logical Starting Point
Simply put, dental assisting itself is a wonderful career, but with a little know-how, it can serve as a starting point to expand into other roles within dentistry. If you’ve attended dental-assisting school, you’ll have a head start on learning what you need to know to grow into your career. Having a strong foundation of dental assisting training will open the door to other dental positions such as office management and will also lessen the learning curve you must work through.
The Knowledge & Skills Are Translatable
If you’ve ever started a new career in the past, the chances are that you might not have used all of the skills you acquired at your previous job. This is sometimes the nature of swapping careers; however, when it comes to leveraging your dental assisting skills into potentially becoming an office manager, there are many ways your knowledge and experience can serve you well! You’ll understand how to confidently educate patients in terms of treatment steps and accompanying timelines. You’ll be able to explain procedures accurately and answer questions with confidence and poise. You’ll understand why and how things function the way they do within a dental office, and you’ll also realize ways to improve efficiency, atmosphere and the overall level of care provided.
You’ll Continue to Positively Impact Patients’ Lives
One of the main benefits of working in the dental field is the direct and positive impact that you have on the patients; your skills and knowledge will lead them to a healthier smile and in turn, a happier life! It’s true that every member of a dental practice contributes to the work they do. By transitioning from dental assistant to practice manager, you’ll continue this trend and perhaps even do good on a much larger scale!
About the NE Dental Academy
Here at NE Dental Academy, we excel in providing new dental assistants with the knowledge and means to flourish in their new job! We’ve helped hundreds of students become successful dental assistants and would be thrilled to steer you toward a new, fulfilling career. If you have any questions about the article or would like to request additional information about our program, feel free to visit us online or give us a call at (508) 392-5314.